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of Tears', which was built by convicts held there during the Second World War. There, it was said that, “the weak die and the strong cry”. The convicts were given the task of building a wall as something to do, and something to make them suffer.The Wall

of gardeners discovering hedgehogs in their compost bins and, at this time of year, many will be found - or not -  in bonfires.Despite the potential hazards of living in such close proximity to humans, there are many ways we can make our gardens safe havens

. The smaller branches I composted (I was amazed how quickly they disappeared).The tree trunk remained propped up against the shed for six months, until I had a brainwave: I'd use it to make a solitary bee hotel. I got an old wine box, chopped the trunk

by tiny amounts of mint and anything I've managed to grow indoors.By summer I am able to make what my partner and I call a 'Chef Salad', based on a wonderful dish we once had while dining out. It consists of as many types of leaf as possible, plus tomatoes

over the hedgehog to make it feel secure. Offer your orphan some water and meat-based dog or cat food (not bread and milk, as this can make them ill). If the hedgehog doesn’t take the food or is injured, call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society

greenhouse and a cold frame, I’ll make early sowings and be virtually self-sufficient (at least in summer). I’ll be incredibly organised - as soon as I harvest one crop, another will be ready to plant in its place.I’ll sow several varieties of tomato - some

disorientated, but then they found their feet and swam around investigating their new home.Already the frogs have their own routines - at dawn they make their way to the trug and hang out on the upturned flowerpot catching flies, before jumping out at dusk. They

in the gaps between the wall and the trellis. Its dark green leaves taste similar to watercress or rocket and are loaded with vitamins and iron.Dandelions are another nutrient-rich garden weed. Fresh, new leaves can be added to salads or dried to make tea

, in the churchyard at Fortinghall, Perthshire, is estimated to be around 2000 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in Europe.Yew makes a fine hedge, which is how I plan to use my plants. It grows well on old wood, so you can keep your hedge in shape

, 'Becky', as it promised to yield large, orange fruits with a good flavour. It did. I let my partner get on with carving them for Halloween, while I set to making pumpkin curry, pumpkin soup, and roast pumpkin risotto. I do love a pumpkin curry